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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donates dates to government
The government yesterday took delivery of 2,500 cartons of dates presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for onward distribution to selected Muslim communities across the country.
The annual gesture, indicative of the long standing relationship between Ghana and Saudi Arabia, is to help Muslims replenish their lost energies in the holy period of Ramadan.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ghana, Meshal Hamdan Al-Rogi, handed over the gift which is the eighth donation to be presented to Ghana.
In a brief remark, Mr Al-Rogi, conveyed to government the compliments of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the custodian of the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia, through whose benevolence the donation was made possible.
The Ambassador recounted the existing bond of friendship between both countries which had culminated into strong cultural and economic ties to the benefit of citizens in diverse ways.
According to him, the date fruit which remained Saudi’s most treasured natural resource serves not only as food to beneficiaries but had medicinal value to boost one’s health.
“The fruit is encouraged to be eaten prior to the breaking of the Ramadan fast because it is a natural energy booster, contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and a rich taste to not only help Muslims replenish their lost energies but also benefit all Ghanaians across the religious divide,” he said.
Receiving the gift, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Mohammed Habibu Tijani was grateful for the donation “considering the fact that dates are a national symbol of Saudi Arabia and also because it was personally from the custodian of the two Holy Mosques; King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.”
He noted that the Saudi government had over the years demonstrated trust and commitment in its relationship and dealings with Ghana.
“Due to the energy qualities of dates, its consumption during the month of Ramadan is very important and we appreciate the donation.
“We also acknowledge many other contributions made to other vital sectors of the country’s development, most importantly, health, education, energy, road, mosques and many more in the Muslim dominated communities,” Mr Tijani noted.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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